Morales, Noro

Born on 4 January, 1911 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, pianist, composer and music director, Noro Osvaldo Morales was one of the most prominent figures of mambo and rumba music from the 1930’s until his death in 1964.

Morales moved to New York City in 1935 were gained fame with top Latin bands in the city. He then formed his own band called the Hermanos Morales Orchestra in 1937, which was later called Noro Morales And His Orchestra. Morales played the piano and the band included the typical Latin rhythm section with bass, bongos, conga, timbales, and claves.

Morales made numerous recording over the course of his prolific career and was well known for his interpretations of “classic” songs such as “Perfume de Gardenia”, (lyrics) “Silencio”, (lyrics)’, Walter Winchell Rumba “ArrÃ¡ncame la Vida”, “Malditos Celos” and “Tres Palabras”.

A fitting tribute to Morales was the 1984 album “A Giant Step” by Charlie Palmieri which included the song “Rumba Rhapsody” with piano and rhythm inspired by Morales.